Structure

Conceptual Model

The conceptual model is the most fundamental aspect of the interface, describing the relationship between the interface and the outside world. The purpose of the conceptual model is to draw on the user’s past experiences so they can readily understand basic operations and accurately predict functionality.

Real World, Vision

Task Flow

The task flow is concerned with the manner in which users’ complete specific operations with the system. In contrast to the conceptual model, the task flow is largely dependent on the product’s technical environment.

Core usability goals, Use cases / User requirements, Task aggregation

Personas, Scenarios, Usability criteria, Feature list

Organizational Model

The organizational model describes how the system’s content and functionality are ordered and categorized. Also known as the information architecture, the organizational model encompasses both the classification scheme as well as the model of association, hierarchy versus index for example.

Access functions

Grouping

Complex views

Editing and Manipulation

The Editing and Manipulation layer contains the behaviors that result in permanent changes to user’s stored information. … Behaviors in this layer can often be recognized by the following traits: they result in permanent, stored changes; they require an implicit or explicit save operation; and they typically require validation of the input data.

Constrained input

User Assistance

Interface elements that inform users of the application’s activity and status, as well as elements dedicated to user education, are all contained in the User Assistance layer. This includes online help, error alerts, and status alerts.

User-driven information

Tool-tip

System triggered notification

Balloon

Notification is a system-triggered message used to acknowledge about events out of the current context.

Progress indicator

Disruptive messages

Help system

KDE Help

Presentation

Layout

The various design decisions governing the placement and ordering of onscreen elements are expressed in the Layout layer. In addition to providing an ordered visual flow, the Layout layer also supports the Behavior tier by arranging elements in a manner that helps communicate behavior, importance, and usage.

Style

Like many forms of visual design, the Style layer is concerned with emotion, tone, and visual vocabulary. Because it is the most visible and concrete aspect of an interface, it typically accounts for people’s first impression of a product. Paradoxically however, the ultimate effect of style on overall usability or user satisfaction is minimal.

Text

Contained within the Text layer are all the written, language-based elements of the interface. This includes the labels used to represent the organizational model, the names of the input and navigational controls contained in the Viewing and Navigation layer, and the alert messages and help text used by the User Assistance layer.

Contributing

Didn't find what you were looking for?

Our Human Interface Guidelines are a work in progress and we need your help. If you found an area that was unclear or is not even covered in our HIG, tell us about it. You'll find everything you need on our mailing list: kde-guidelines@kde.org or in our little tutorial.